NFL power rankings: Week 6

We're starting to see some separation between the contenders and the also-rans. The surprising Detroit Lions are squarely in the first group. Who's joining them? Read on for the rest of our top 10 NFL teams heading into Week 6.

10
Oakland Raiders (3-2)

Associated Press

They've been threatening for a few weeks, but with Sunday's win over the Texans, Darren McFadden and the Raiders have shown they can compete for the AFC West title. Al Davis would be proud.

9
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

Associated Press

After a loss to Houston, Ben Roethlisberger exploded for five touchdown passes against the Titans. Pittsburgh should win their next two games easily, setting up a showdown with New England in Week 8.

8
San Francisco 49ers (4-1)

Associated Press

If anyone thought the Niners were a fluke at 3-1, a 48-3 shellacking of the Bucs should put those doubts to rest. But the real test will come this week when San Francisco travels to Detroit to face the undefeated Lions.

7
San Diego Chargers (4-1)

Associated Press

The Chargers have been quietly solid, dispatching the Chiefs, Dolphins and Broncos in successive weeks. They'll have a bye this week before facing the Jets on the road in their first real challenge since Week 2's loss to New England.

6
Buffalo Bills (4-1)

Associated Press

The upstart Bills have been known for offense this season, but their defense stepped up against the Eagles on Sunday with four interceptions. Their next task: to slow down Eli Manning and the Giants. They're up to the challenge.

5
Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Associated Press

Baltimore had a bye last week. They now face a Houston team looking to bounce back from a loss to the Raiders. We'll see whether the Ravens D can slow the Texans' high-powered attack.

4
New England Patriots (4-1)

Associated Press

Tom Brady leads the NFL in passing yards. But the Patriots defense is dead last in passing yards allowed. Can Tony Romo and the Cowboys exploit that weakness this week? We'll see.

3
New Orleans Saints (4-1)

Associated Press

The Saints' 30-27 comeback win over Carolina last week was closer than QB Drew Brees would have liked. New Orleans now heads to Tampa Bay, a team that the 49ers destroyed last week. The Saints ought to do the same.

2
Detroit Lions (5-0)

Associated Press

The Lions had their official coming-out party in a Monday night win over Chicago. If they can beat fellow upstart San Francisco this week, there will be no denying their status as Super Bowl contenders.

1
Green Bay Packers (5-0)

Associated Press

While the rest of the nation buzzes about the Lions, Niners and Bills, the Packers continue to dominate their opponents. They held Atlanta to a season-low 14 points on Sunday and should keep the win streak going against St. Louis this week.